Saturday, April 30, 2011

The wonders of BB CREAM



Women, not only in Asia, but all over the world are raving about BB cream. You will hear it in school, at your office, your friends are using it and you have found out recently that even your mom is crazy about it,too.

What is a BB cream?
BB stands for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm which was originally formulated in Germany. German dermatologists initially prescribed the formulation to their patients who have gone through surgery. Thus, BB cream was initially used to heal wounds and prevent deep scars.

After some time, Korean actresses started using it onto their face, and since Asian dramas are popular in the world, a trend was born. The craze first got to Japan, then to South East Asia and now making it's way to Europe and the U.S.A.

I personally use three kinds of BB creams and this blog is intended to those who want to know more about this product. If you have heard about this product from a friend or cousin, or if you have seen ads or write ups, if you are looking for the perfect BB cream for your skin type or if you are just simply curious about this product, then this blog entry is definitely for you. :)

What does BB cream do to skin?
If you are into Asian dramas, particularly Korean dramas, or if you have seen some, then you have surely noticed how flawless and seemingly perfect their skin is.
Is it because of the lighting? Is it because of the HD camera that they used? NO. It probably is because of BB CREAM. :)

BB cream is suited for all skin types, especially people who have sensitive and acne-prone skin. It has the advantages of both skin care and make-up for it improves the skin's condition and evens out the skin tone while providing coverage for dark spots and other blemishes.

What are the benefits?
Below is a list of the benefits that you will get form using the product
  • Gives a natural "no makeup look"
  • Works like a tinted moisturizer, perfect for hiding blemishes and skin imperfections like pigmentation, discoloration, acne scars and other blemishes
  • Provides perfect coverage like a foundation, but takes care of your skin like a medication
  • The product contains healing properties to smoothen and refine skin
  • Contains UV Protection
  • (Some variants offer) Anti-wrinkle and skin lightening benefits
  • Provides skin regeneration to maintain youthful skin
  • BB cream is an all-in-one cosmetic beauty and skin care product. Acts as foundation, concealer, sunblock, and moisturizer in 1.
How to find the perfect BB cream:
  1. Do a research. Read articles and reviews about the product first. Find testimonials from previous users.
  2. Consider the present condition of your skin. (Do you have dry or oily skin? Is your skin acne-prone?)
  3. Know your skin tone and then find the right shade. Some BB creams tend to get lighter when applied onto skin,so swatch it first before buying.
  4. Quality over quantity, never compensate your skin. Invest in a good BB cream.
What are the best BB creams in the market?

I have listed some of the best BB cream products as a guide for people who would like to try the product but don't know which brand to choose.

  1. Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF 20 (shade #2)
  2. Laneige Snow BB Cream SPF 41 (shade #2)
  3. Skin 79 BB Cream Miniature Set (Black)
  4. Missha M B.B Boomer
  5. Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF 20 (shade #1)
  6. Skinfood Peach Sake Pore Cream SPF 20 (shade #2)
  7. Hanskin Perfect Super Magic B.B Cream SPF 30
  8. Mentholatum Sunplay Skin Aqua Silky BB Cream SPF 25
  9. Hanskin Caviar Gold B.B Cream SPF 21
  10. Skinfood Agave Cactus Sun BB Cream SPF 36 (shade #2)
*List from YesStyle Beauty Shop

Where to get a BB Cream?
If you want to try this product, please remember to consult your dermatologist first. Especially if you have super sensitive skin. (Like I do) If you have already purchased the product, then it is best to conduct an allergy test first.
BB creams are widely available here in the Philippines already. Go to your favorite shopping mall and you will see Etude House, Skin Food, The Face Shop, Elianto, and Laneige. I have also seen a SKIN 79 and DR. JART BB Cream section in SM Megamall Department Store. There are also a lot of online shops that sell BB Cream, some even offer free shipping, but be careful of bogus online sellers. Read comments and testimonials from previous costumers first before actually making a deal with the seller.

Tip: When purchasing a BB Cream, it is best to buy the ones that are from Korea. Since Korea and Philippines are both in Asia, then you can be assured that it will suit your skin type. But the weather here is a lot warmer than in Korea, so the BB Cream might get too oily so remember to choose the one that will not make you look like a greased pan. :)

*Soon, I will be doing three BB cream revies. I actually use three kinds of BB creams so please look forward to my reviews.



-XOXO

Kristine